System Requirements
Operating System
| OS | Minimum Version | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | 10.15 (Catalina) | 13.0 (Ventura) or later |
| Windows | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| Linux | Ubuntu 20.04 / Debian 11 | Ubuntu 22.04+ |
Hardware
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 500 MB free | 1 GB free |
| Processor | Any 64-bit (x86_64 or ARM64) | Apple Silicon or modern Intel/AMD |
| Camera | Any built-in or USB webcam | — |
| Display | 1024 x 768 | 1280 x 800 or higher |
Network
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Internet connection | Required for login, answer submission, and evidence upload |
| Upload speed | 2 Mbps minimum, 5 Mbps recommended |
| Firewall | HTTPS (port 443) must be open |
| Offline coding | You can continue coding during brief disconnects — uploads queue and send when reconnected |
Permissions Required
Interview Zen needs three permissions to function. The app walks you through granting each one during setup.
| Permission | What It's For | Platform Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Periodic webcam photos during the interview | macOS: System dialog. Windows: Settings > Privacy > Camera |
| Screen Recording | Periodic screenshots of your work | macOS: System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording (restart may be required). Windows: handled automatically |
| App Monitoring | Checks for prohibited applications | No system permission needed — the app scans running process names |
Supported Languages (Code Editor)
The built-in editor supports syntax highlighting and autocomplete for:
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- Python
- Java
- Go
- Rust
- C++
- C#
- Ruby
- PHP
- Swift
- SQL
- Plain Text
Autocomplete is powered by real language servers (LSP) for TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust, C#, and Java — the same technology used in VS Code.
Browser Requirements
Interview Zen is a desktop application, not a browser-based tool. No browser is required to take the interview. The app includes its own code editor and interface.
Questions?
If you're unsure whether your system meets the requirements, email [email protected] and we'll help you verify before your interview.